Shipping Industry Fears EU Emissions Caps

With the failure so far of global climate talks to set emissions caps on the shipping industry, some fear that the EU will go ahead with stricter emissions standards.

The shipping industry hopes to position itself favorably ahead of any such regulations by formulating a position on curbing emissions at the upcoming meeting of the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) marine environment protection committee.

Shipping, which accounts for three percent of global emissions, has recently come under the critical eye of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, as well. The EPA has proposed emissions standards for ships entering certain ports of call.

Last month, France indicated it wanted a decision in Copenhagen to curb ship emissions. France did not state any targets, however.